“More than 5,000 security guards in London’s financial district have been instructed by police to report people taking photographs, recording footage or even making sketches near buildings, the Guardian has learned. City of London police’s previously unseen advice singles out people who may appear to be ‘legitimate tourists’ to prevent reconnaissance by al-Qaida. The document, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, helps explain a number of recent cases in which photographers have been stopped and searched by police using section 44 of the Terrorism Act, after first being approached by security guards.”

“Powers for council wardens and private security staff to issue fixed-penalty notices and on-the-spot fines for disorderly behaviour are being considered by the police and Home Office ministers. Chief constables are also looking at using security staff to tackle community problems in places where police involvement might be seen as excessive.”